Italy’s Jewish Community Urges Levante Fair to Reconsider Israel Ban

Bari: Italy’s Jewish community has made a formal appeal to the Levante Fair in Bari, requesting the lifting of the ban on Israel’s participation in the upcoming Fiera del Levante, one of southern Italy’s most significant trade fairs. The exclusion is reportedly due to allegations of “genocide” in Gaza.

According to Ansa News Agency, Noemi Di Segni, the chair of the Union of Italian Jewish Communities (UCEI), issued a statement urging President Gaetano Frulli to reverse the decision to exclude Israel from the event. Di Segni emphasized the importance of supporting the Palestinian civilian population through concrete actions rather than initiatives that may incite propaganda and hate campaigns. She also questioned the moral consistency of excluding nations based on their policies, implying that such a standard would result in a lengthy list of banned countries.

The decision not to include Israel in the 2025 Fiera del Levante, scheduled for September 13-21, aligns with previous actions by the Puglia Region and the Bari City Council. Both entities have severed relations with Tel Aviv’s representatives, citing the “ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip” and declaring Israeli participation “unwelcome.” The fair has accepted a formal request from Bari’s Mayor, Vito Leccese, to exclude Israel until it ceases military intervention in Gaza and addresses human rights violations against civilians.

The absence of Israel means traditional exhibits, such as the iconic seven-branched menorah candelabras and decorated ceramics from Tel Aviv, will not be present. The fair’s decision has been met with significant backlash, particularly from political figures like Forza Italia Senator Maurizio Gasparri, who accused the municipality of anti-Semitism. Mayor Leccese dismissed these accusations, stating that the exclusion pertains to the actions of the state, not the Israeli people.

The Levante Fair’s stance, including its support for nominating Gaza’s children for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, has stirred controversy and debate, reflecting the deep-seated tensions surrounding Israel’s policies and international relations.